In April '08 Steven was awarded a full four year 'Trustee' Scholarship at Western Illinois University. He also received a four year School of Music Talent Grant Award and the Ann Collins Jazz Piano Scholarship from Western.

This is a special scholarship awarded to just three high school jazz musicians each year, that gives the recipients 20 one hour private music lessons with a jazz musician of the awardees choice. Steven took his jazz piano lessons with Ken Chaney, a world renowned jazz pianist and recording artist.

In March '08 Steven won 1st Place in his High School's (Northside College Prep, Chicago Public School ) 2008 Talent Show...performing a song he wrote 'You Got No Personality.'

...in May '08 he was awarded his high school Jazz Band's 2008 Top Award 'The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.'

...in June '08 Steven was awarded his high school's 2008 Top Music Award "The Cedric Hampton Music Award.'

...in June '08 was awarded the Midwest Six Flags Great America 'Music in The Parks, Outstanding Accompanist 2008 Award.'

...Steven won the 2007 University of Illinois Summer Youth Music Jazz Camp's "Achievement Award," for "outstanding musical accomplishments while in residence at the Univ. of Illinois, during the school's summer music program" at Champaign-Urbana.